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"Disaster Deployment Basics" – Part C, Deployment Phase

"Disaster Deployment Basics" – Part C, Deployment Phase

What you need to know your first time out.

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Part B – Deployment Phase



           When you find yourself on a deployment you may not know the other members of your team. When I went out for western fire detail, I met up with 20 other firefighters from Florida whom I had never met. During DMAT missions, the roster of members can differ dramatically, and although we train together on a regular basis there are always new members. The point is, get to know your teammates. You will be living in close proximity to these people for several weeks. Use your travel time with the team to learn their names, and backgrounds. This is a great chance for you to get an idea of what your mission may entail. The members that have experience will be eager to answer your questions. A first deployment will make anyone a little nervous. This is your time to set your mind at ease regarding your mission, before your feet hit the ground.

            Another important item regarding deployments is patience. On my first wildland deployment I was energized, and ready to hit the fire lines. While traveling, we were reassigned to different fires several times. In fact we began calling ourselves the wanderers.  Finally on the third day of travel we made it to our new destination, and set up camp. By this point my excitement and energy was greatly diminished. Frustration was quickly taking its place. When I responded to Hurricane Charley our DMAT team spent one night in a hotel staging for a mission assignment. Again, we were ready to work, and frustrated that we were not. We knew there were places we were needed, and did not want to be staging. There is always a tremendous amount of confusion following, and during disaster events. Countless resources are brought in and staged in the best possible locations. But, these teams cannot just be dropped in anywhere. It is critical that they are placed in a location to provide the greatest good for the greatest numbers. This takes time. Overhead teams, and command members must assess the entire situation which often changes before their eyes. It is infinitely better to wait a day or two for a mission that will help hundreds or thousands rather than putting a team to work just for the sake of it. Be prepared to “hurry up and wait”, don’t let it frustrate you. Be patient waiting for a mission where you can make a difference.

            Once on your mission you could be working anywhere from twelve to sixteen hours a day, often for days at a time with very little “down time”. For this reason it is absolutely critical you allow time for yourself when you can. When hiking through the mountains around Pikes Peak on the wildfires we would take lunch breaks on burned out hillsides. My crew boss told us all to rest up and gave us around an hour each day. On the first day, I looked around and saw several of the veterans finding shady trees, pulling their helmets over their eyes, and grabbing a quick power nap. In my own foolishness I did not follow their lead. After several days I was entirely exhausted, and as a result beginning to burn out. The naps were not because they were tired; it was to keep them from becoming so. Equally important is to take yourself away from the mission when allowed. If you are given a night off from whatever the assignment, take it. Go hit your bunk and read. If possible go for a walk. Do anything that does not involve the work. I have been on deployments with DMAT where we worked in shifts. I found myself hanging out at our operations site and helping even though our team commander had given me and others the night off. Although dedication is good, it is very easy to burn out when surrounded by disaster. Take time to step back, and let your mind relax.

            In most cases of being called for a deployment you will know how long you are expected to be gone. DMATs are assigned missions for fourteen days. Wildland firefighting deployments are twenty-one days. These are the maximum lengths of time without being asked to extend. Always plan to be gone the full length of time. Often several days into a mission teams may be advised that they will be going home early. I have seen members become excited about that prospect, and immediately start making plans back home. Then, as the incident changes or new needs arise the team is re-assigned to a new mission, and the early departure cancelled. When you are on a mission do not allow yourself to start making plans back home for an early return until you are on the way home.  It is easy to become very excited about going home early, only to be disappointed when re-assigned or extended. This kind of disappointment has a big impact on team morale.  Always expect to be there the full length of time.

Finally, while on a mission I highly recommend keeping a journal with you. Use this to write down contact information of team members and other people you meet. Deployments are a tremendous opportunity to make contacts with people you would have otherwise not met. You will want to keep in touch with these folks to trade pictures, etc. A notebook is also a great way to log your experience. Write down things you do and lessons you learn. This notebook will be a great asset when you return home



READ THE REST OF THIS ARITCLE:



Part A – Introduction

Part B – Pre Deployment

Part C – Deployment Phase

Part D – Returning Home

 

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By: Capt. Ryan G. Christen

 

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